There has been a fire accident in the Central Ammunition Depot at Pulgaon wherein fire broke out in the depot in the early hours of the morning today.

CAD, Pulgaon is located at about 115 Km from Nagpur, in Maharashra. The depot is spread over an area of more than 7000 acres and is an important ammunition depot of the Indian Army. It stores a variety of ammunition in numerous sheds located in the depot. As per initial reports, the fire stated in one of the sheds at approximately 0100h this morning, and immediate action was taken by the fire fighting parties and Quick Reaction Teams located in the depot by putting the fire fighting mechanism into place as per the laid down procedures. This restricted the fire to one shed only which contained highly sensitive ammunition.

The fire has been completely doused and situation brought under control. However, in our efforts to douse the fire, 02 Officers and 14 personnel (to include one Army Jawan and 13 civilian fire fighting staff) lost their lives and 02 officers and 15 personnel (to include nine Army Jawans and six civilian fire fighting staff) were injured. The injured personnel have been evacuated to Multi Speciality Hospital, Wardha (35 Km from Pulgaon) and are undergoing medical treatment. The medical condition of the injured personnel is reported to be stable. Army medical teams have been moved from Pune to provide specialist medical attention.

The cause of the fire has not yet been ascertained. Actions to assess the damage are in progress. An inquiry has been ordered by the Army.

Raksha Mantri, COAS and Senior Defence Officials have visited the site to take stock and review the situation.

We express deep condolences to the families of the brave hearts who have lost their lives while protecting and securing the important ammunition depot.

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Editor, National Defence

National Defence (Fight For India) is the initiative of independent Indian journalist Shailesh Kumar, a Strategic Alarmist and National Interest Crusader. With 15 years of media experience, Shailesh Kumar has previously worked with leading television brands.